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Yes, pool pumps use a significant amount of electricity, making them one of the biggest energy consumers in a home. A pool pump can use up to three times as much electricity as a refrigerator. Typically, a residential pool pump consumes about 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) for every hour it runs. Because pumps often need to run for about eight hours a day to properly filter the water, this can add up to an annual consumption of 3,000 to 5,000 kWh, which can cost between $480 and $800 per year based on average electricity rates.

The amount of electricity your pump uses depends on its size, energy efficiency, and daily run time. To lower your energy consumption, you can choose an energy-efficient or variable-speed pump, ensure it is correctly sized for your pool, and run it only for the minimum time required to keep the water clean.

Off-season pool-building prices often align with the time of year you're least likely to use a pool. Many contractors offer deals in the late fall and winter to bolster the slow time of year. However, if you live in an area with freezing winters, you'll need to wait beyond the final frost and threats of extreme weather.

You should add one 3-inch chlorine tablet for every 5,000 gallons of water in your pool. If you have a smaller pool, it’s better to use 1-inch chlorine tablets so you don’t accidentally add too much chlorine. Alternatively, you can add two to three ounces of powdered chlorine or half a gallon of liquid chlorine for every 5,000 gallons of water.

Size is the main difference between a pool and a spool. Spools are typically about half the size of an average pool, so they’re ideal for yards without the space for a full-sized pool. Spools are also easier to heat, so they tend to be a higher temperature than pools and can be adjusted to get as hot as a spa when it’s time for a relaxing soak. Spools also contain jets and blowers, while most pools do not.